Milan football knocks off Martin Westview
MARTIN — The Milan Bulldogs have been in unfamiliar territory this year as they have gotten off to a rough start to begin the season. The Bulldogs started the season out 1-3 and were in need of a big-time performance by their team.
That big-time performance came on Friday night as the Bulldogs defeated Martin Westview by the score of 31-14 and picked up their first region win of the season. This victory for the Bulldogs was also career win number 200 for Milan head coach Jeff Morris.
"This win is number 200, but right now all I'm worried about is getting this team on the right track," Morris said. "I'm sure there will be a time and place to celebrate this acheivement, but I just want to get this team prepared for every game from here on out and get them into the playoffs."
Milan's offense looked to have gotten on the right track this week, displaying a balanced run and pass game.
Anthony Ballard led the rushing attack with an unofficial 136 yards and two touchdowns. Ballard scored on runs of 12- and 41- yard rushes.
Milan also displayed a nice pass game as quarterback Landon Walker went an unofficial 8-for-11 with 113 yards passing and one touchdown. All eight of Walker's passes, including the touchdown, were completed to Lamartez Brooks.
"Our offense struggled early but really got going in that second quarter," Morris said.
Milan received the ball with 4:21 left in the first half and drove downfield, capping the drive off with a touchdown pass from Walker to Brooks right before the half to take a 10-7 lead.
The Bulldog defense also played a very solid game as well, coming up with big plays in big moments.
The biggest moment of the night for the Bulldog defense came with 1:30 left in the game. The Westview offense was driving toward the end zone and Milan cornerback Cameron Oliver intercepted the pass and returned it back for a pick-6, solidifying the win for the Bulldogs by the score of 31-14.
"This was a huge game for these kids tonight," Morris said. "Our team and staff has been taking a lot of criticism and I feel like we stepped up and made a statement tonight against a very good team. Our staff did a great job of coming up with a good game plan, and our kids competed very hard for all four quarters."
Milan continues region play next week at McNairy Central.
"We've had a tough start to the season, but I feel like we are getting on the right track," Morris said. "We need to continue the momentum that we built tonight and use that momentum throughout the rest of our region games."
"I feel really good with how we responded tonight and look forward to see what happens over the next few weeks of region play."